Cuba celebrates 51 years of revolution

Cuba on Friday celebrated the 51st anniversary of its revolution with traditional dances at the main squares of the communist-ruled island.

Cuba on Friday celebrated the 51st anniversary of its revolution with traditional dances at the main squares of the communist-ruled island.

State-run daily Granma on Friday wrote what life was like in the country before 1959, when the uprising led by ex-President Fidel Castro ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista.

Unlike last year, when official events were organised to celebrate the revolution, this time no activity was planned by the government, nor has there been any message to the public from President Raul Castro, Fidel's younger brother.

However, the streets were decorated with Cuban flags and posters bearing revolutionary slogans.

At midnight Thursday the traditional 21-gun salute sounded from Havana's La Cabana Fortress to kick off the anniversary. TV channels then transmitted a music video dedicated to Fidel Castro.